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Cooper Applauds House Passage of Anti-Harassment Bills

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today applauded House passage of two anti-sexual harassment bills, saying it’s a long-overdue step to ensure appropriate conduct in the halls of Congress.

Both bipartisan bills were introduced as the #MeToo movement swept over Capitol Hill, exposing numerous harassment cases among lawmakers and staff.

“I’m glad the House passed these much-needed reforms,” Rep. Cooper said. “The Senate must quickly pass each bill, and the President needs to sign them into law. Congress should be punished for bad behavior.”

In November, Rep. Cooper announced he was one of four lead cosponsors on a similar bipartisan bill that sought to empower victims of sexual harassment and eliminate the confidential “hush fund” used to settle sexual harassment claims in Congress. The House bills passed today would achieve both goals.